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Emmys 2018: Will ‘GLOW’ replicate the success of ‘Orange is the New Black’ in comedy categories?

When it comes to breakout new shows, one of the biggest stories at this year’s Emmys could be Netflix’s “GLOW.” Inspired by the real-life Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling circuit from the 1980s, the series was a hit during the winter awards season, earning nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards as well as citations from multiple industry peer groups. Will all that support translate to breakthrough nominations and wins at the Emmys? “GLOW” could appeal to the same voters who showered its Netflix sister show “Orange is the New Black” with nominations in comedy categories in 2014.

“GLOW” and “Orange” share creative input from Jenji Kohan, who created “Orange” and executive produces both shows. They’re also tonally similar dramedies with ensemble casts dominated by diverse women. And both are summer shows that had to wait a year for their first Emmy cycles. “Orange” debuted in July 2013, just a month into the Emmy eligibility period which runs from June through May, so it was almost exactly 12 months before the nominations were announced and “Orange” received a dozen noms, including Best Comedy Series. Similarly, “GLOW” premiered in the June 2017, so it’ll be more than a year between its first season and the announcement of the nominations this summer.

Of course, “Orange” doesn’t compete in comedy categories anymore. In 2015 the television academy stipulated that all half-hour shows are categorized as comedies and all hour-long shows are categorized as dramas unless they apply for special exemptions. Several shows did apply and were approved, like hour-long comedy contenders “Jane the Virgin” and “Shameless” and half-hour drama candidate “Z: The Beginning of Everything.” In fact, the only show that has applied for an exemption that was denied is “Orange.”

But the half-hour “GLOW” won’t have that problem. And it has already been recognized by numerous industry groups: the Screen Actors Guild, the American Cinema Editors, Art Directors Guild, the Costume Designers Guild, the Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild, and the Writers Guild. Those awards are especially important when forecasting the Emmy race as they were decided by the same kinds of Hollywood professionals who make up the TV academy.

Be sure to make your Emmy predictions today so that Hollywood insiders can see how their TV shows and performers are faring in our odds. You can keep changing your predictions as often as you like until just before nominees are announced on July 12. And join in the fun debate over the 2018 Emmys taking place right now with Hollywood insiders in our television forums. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.